Puerto Rico Se Levanta: Local artist writes a song of hope for Puerto Rico

Rickyto

PENSACOLA, Fla.—Like most of us, the feeling of dread and disbelief overcame Rickyto Marrero as the news of the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria on the island of Puerto Rico. The subsequent silence of an entire nation blacked out was almost too much to bear.

For many, the natural inclination to help kicked in shortly after. For Rickyto, who was born and raised in Bayamon, that inclination came in the form of expression he knows best: music.

Puerto Rico Se Levanta is the name of the song he wrote. He says he hopes the song will motivate people of Puerto Rico to overcome the devastation and bounce back even stronger.

“I made this song as a gift for my people. I just want my people to know that they are not alone. We are with them,” Rickyto said.

A mix of emotions, he said, went through his mind and he wrote the lyrics for the song.

“Kids without education, without food. My people singing, crying, smiling in the middle of this crisis. A lot of mixing feelings,” he said.

Most of Rickyto’s family live in Puerto Rico including his grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. He says some are still without power. Others have lost their homes.

“But I thank God they are healthy and okay,” Rickyto said.

Rickyto will perform “Puerto Rico Se Levanta” live at the Latino Festival in Pensacola on Sunday, November 5 in a choreographed tribute to the people of Puerto Rico and its people. The public is invited to attend and participate. Admission to the festival is free and disaster relief supplies will be collected at the event by Joe’s Caribe food truck.

The song is available on YouTube searchable as Rickyto the Melody Puerto Rico Se levanta. Rickyto will also email the song to anyone who requests it via his Facebook fan page, Rickyto The Melody, personal page or DM on Instagram @Rickytothemelody.